You may have heard of "flash mobs," where a mass of people invade a public space to make a scene. Now the idea has been turned on its head by "cash mobs," where large crowds of consumers show up at small businesses to spend money. But it's not just about propping up the local economy.

It's 5 o'clock on a Friday, and mostly quiet in the Lander's Men's Store, a mom-and-pop clothing store in Jamestown, N.Y. But shop owner Ann Powers is anticipating a mob.

You may know the Friday after Thanksgiving as Black Friday, but on the Seacoast, today is also Plaid Friday.

Plaid Friday began last year as a way to encourage shoppers to discover local stores. David Boynton is the Executive Director of Seacoast Local, an organization that promotes independent businesses. He explains what Plaid Friday is about to NHPR’s Rick Ganley.